*Hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful” UMH 234
*Call to Worship
Leader: Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.
People: To you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10)
Lighting of the Advent Candles
Congregational Response
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" UMH 230
Hymn "Away in a Manger" UMH 217
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Holy God, heaven and earth are met this day in the newborn child,
Savior of the world. We celebrate his birth; for in him you come to be
close to us, that we might be close to you.
Especially we give thanks for the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our
Lord Jesus Christ and all he means to us…
For prospects of peace in the world…
For confidence in your almighty love…
For those who generously give…
For those who graciously receive…
For the Church’s nurturing us in the faith…
God of all mercy, as you have come in Jesus Christ to be our guest, inspire our hearts to a hospitality that welcomes all your children in his name.
Especially we pray for those who have not heard your good news…
For the sick and suffering…
For those who know no laughter only tears…
For those who govern and rule…
For those enslaved by tyranny…
For prisoners of addiction or abuse…
For the Church as a refuge of the needy…
All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
God’s Word is Proclaimed
Message for all God’s Children
Special Music
Christmas Lesson Luke 2:1-20
A Christmas Homily
*Hymn "The First Noel" UMH 245
Celebration of Tithes and Offerings with Doxology UMH 95
HOLY COMMUNION
GREAT THANKSGIVING UMH 15
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP
The Candle Lighting Service
As the singing begins, the pastor will light his candle from the Christ Candle, and then the first candle of each row in a section will be lit. The light will then be passed from candle to candle until all are lit.
Hymn
“Silent Night, Holy Night” UMH 239
"It Came Up on the Midnight Clear" Verse 1 UMH 218 “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" UMH240 "Angels We Have Heard on High" UMH 238
Hymn “Joy to the World” UMH 246
*Benediction